Best The Hood Chef Podcasts (2024)

1
Scaling Sweet Success: The Tres Lecheria Journey 43:02

2d ago43:02

43:02

Host Emily Washcovick sits down with Vincent Berretta, co-owner of Tres Lecheria, to discuss their journey from a small bakery to a wholesale supplier for grocery chains. Vincent shares valuable lessons on budgeting, funding, and scaling a business, emphasizing the importance of financial strength for stability and growth. Discover how Tres Lecheri…

1
Building a Strong Online Presence: Tips from Previous Guests 20:06

1M ago20:06

20:06

Host Emily Washcovick kicks off Season 3 with a recap of her favorite themes and takeaways from the last 50 episodes. Discover insights from business owners and customers on creating exceptional experiences, the importance of engaging with Yelp, and how to leverage reviews for growth. Tune in for practical advice and inspiring stories from diverse …

1
Under the Hood: Honesty and Expertise at Steve's Auto Care 26:58

1M ago26:58

26:58

Steve's Auto Care in Novato, CA, is more than just a repair shop; it's a testament to honesty and quality in the auto service industry. For years, owner Steve Lite has cultivated a reputation not only for expert vehicle repairs but also a community-focused approach that prioritizes genuine service over quick profits. Yelp reviewer Christine P share…

1
Branching Out: City Tree Delivery's Seasonal Success 30:10

2M ago30:10

30:10

City Tree Delivery isn’t just providing holiday cheer with Christmas trees. It’s a service revolutionizing the way busy urban dwellers decorate for the season. Founded by Chris Hohenstein, this business caters to convenience, delivering not only trees but also a full holiday spirit directly to your door, with special features like installation, dec…

1
From Beige Walls to Beautiful Chaos: The Evolution of Tattooed Mom 29:52

2M ago29:52

29:52

It should come as no surprise that a restaurant called Tattooed Mom is as eclectic as the name implies. Open for 27 years in Philadelphia, Tattooed Mom serves great food for everyone — omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans alike. Owner Robert Perry has built a community-first space by holding as many local events as he can for local activist and creat…

1
Books and Business: The Evolution of Powell’s City of Books 34:47

2M ago34:47

34:47

Powell's City of Books is no mere bookstore; it's an institution, community, and treasure for bibliophiles. This literary haven offers new, used, and rare finds that beckon readers from every corner of the globe. Store Manager Bry Hoag helped Powell's flourish into a cultural icon with its unique blend of history, sustainability, and unwavering com…

1
Starting a Business That Aligns With Your Passions 32:51

2M ago32:51

32:51

Bonnie Mauldin has been hustling since she was a kid. At eight years old, she was knocking on doors offering to shovel driveways. After graduation, she entered the medical field, but quickly discovered it was not for her. Now, Bonnie owns two successful businesses, The Mauldin Group and Mauldin Production Company. Having learned a lot along the way…

1
Marketing Mastery: A Conversation with Marketing Happy Hour Podcast Hosts 34:39

3M ago34:39

34:39

Erica Spitzley and Cassie Tucker are crazy about two things: marketing and happy hour. So when one happy hour turned into a four-hour conversation about the best and brightest marketing ideas, they knew they had to build a bigger table, so to speak. They created the Marketing Happy Hour podcast, where they have built a community of some of the best…

1
Vegan Chef Turns Food Network Title Into Championship Career 35:28

3M ago35:28

35:28

Chef Priyanka Naik took a very non-traditional route to success as a Food Network Champion. When culinary school didn’t align with her vegetarian upbringing, she didn’t let that stop her from pursuing her dreams of cooking on TV. Instead, she took a tech job to support her while working on becoming the best vegan chef she could. Her tireless self-p…

1
Three Lists in Three Years: How Il Canale Uses Yelp to Fuel Growth and Inspire Change 28:18

3M ago28:18

28:18

Alessandro Farruggio and his family, owners of Il Canale in Washington D.C., are experts in the pizza business. Since Alessandro’s father immigrated from Italy in the 1970s, the family has been serving authentic Italian recipes in the D.C. area. Their delicious food, consistent customer engagement, and knack for adaptability has earned them recogni…

1
Tea and Milk Owner Expands Both His Business and Customer Horizons 46:09

3M ago46:09

46:09

Tea and Milk owner Mathew Wong has gone to great lengths to create the best bubble tea possible, traveling as far as Japan to research and source his tea. He uses only the highest quality ingredients in all of his products, but found that they weren’t always popular with customers, who had grown used to inferior ingredients. In order to expand, Won…

1
Building Community Intentionally: A Conversation With 3 Yelp Community Managers 44:55

4M ago44:55

44:55

It takes a village to raise a small business, as any entrepreneur will tell you. It sounds like a solo act, but the more advocates in a business’s corner, the more likely their success. This week Emily sits down with three of Yelp’s community managers to talk about their roles and what they can do to help make a small business successful — everythi…

1
Counter Service and Community Building: Yo’ Mama’s Recipe for Success 35:29

4M ago35:29

35:29

Crystal Peterson, owner of Yo’ Mama’s, has kept service at the forefront of her strategy from day 1. Located in downtown Birmingham, the family-run comfort food restaurant targets the city’s busy visitors and workers during lunch hour with quick and friendly counter service. Reviewer Delia S. shares how her first experience in Yo’ Mama’s welcoming …

1
Brewing Community : Nirvana Soul's Mission of Connection 24:23

4M ago24:23

24:23

Nirvana Soul in San Jose isn’t your ordinary coffee shop. It’s loud, vivacious, and encourages community expression, whether in their regular open-mic nights or the colorful art on the walls. Sisters and co-owners Jeronica and Be’Anka created their coffee shop to serve up unique flavors like the White Rose Latte and a Hazelnut Mocha. But the more i…

1
Serving Salsa With a Smile: How Lisa and Miguel Became Local Food Celebrities 26:56

5M ago26:56

26:56

Lisa and Miguel Segura, owners of Miguel’s Artisan Recipes, always have an open seat at their table. The couple has spent the last three years finding new ways to share their jarred salsas and fresh Mexican recipes with their community. What started as pandemic deliveries to their circle of friends turned into a full-fledged brick-and-mortar operat…

1
Biz Bites #8 : How to Get Yelp Reviews Without Asking 20:43

5M ago20:43

20:43

In ep. 8 of the “Biz Bites'' series, we talk about how to get reviews without asking. An important part of managing your online reputation, especially on Yelp. From providing memorable experiences, responding to reviews publicly, and making the most of Yelp’s free features, this episode breaks down 5 things businesses can do to encourage customers …

1
A Farmers Market with a Mission to Nourish and Educate the Community 25:38

5M ago25:38

25:38

Located in Humble, TX, Fall Creek Farmers Market is the perfect place to pick up produce and fresh foods while learning more about sustainable agriculture. Jonathan and Andrea, the husband-and-wife duo behind the market, integrate integrity and education about sustainable farming and the importance of food quality into everything they do. Reviewer …

1
Serving Happiness: Building a Business on Customer Feedback 30:11

5M ago30:11

30:11

Most people open their own business with a solid plan and a firm idea of what that business offers. Tomeka Wallace opened Happy Cafe with exactly that, but her ability to learn as she goes, pivot when needed, and “just roll with it,” as she says, led to many changes to her menu and her operating hours. Listening to her customers and reviewers gave …

1
Making Waves in the Community Means Sweet Success 31:17

5M ago31:17

31:17

Sundae Scoop is an ice cream shop and community gathering place in Virginia Beach. Sibs and Philip Harrell opened the doors in 2021, bringing diverse flavors, and a fun environment for people to come together and try something new. Yelp Elite Aneesa P shares her first time at the business and what was so memorable about the entire experience. She d…

1
Biz Bite Episode 7 : Black History Month & Identity Marketing 7:18

5M ago7:18

7:18

In ep. 7 of the “Biz Bites'' series, we celebrate Black History Month and discuss identity marketing. Consumers want to connect with the businesses they support, and sharing your story and identity as the business owner is a way to create deeper connections - particularly when relevant to your business and offerings. Learn about ways to leverage he…

1
Chef JJ on leading a rice renaissance in Harlem 24:03

6M ago24:03

24:03

James Beard Award-winning Chef JJ Johnson knows that the best things in life start simply, so he built his restaurant around one of life’s basic grains—rice. He then took his clean and healthy cooking to unlikely neighborhoods to make sure everyone has access to healthy and affordable food. That great tasting food plus data gathering and studying h…

1
MT Noodles: The Intersection of Heritage, High Quality Ingredients, and Community Through Vietnamese Food 20:24

6M ago20:24

20:24

Located in a strip mall in a Minnesota suburb, MT Noodles has become a local favorite. Justin and the team at MT Noodles integrate their Vietnamese heritage into everything they do, making sure that all customers can find homemade dishes that they will enjoy, regardless of whether or not they’ve tried Vietnamese dishes before. Hear how the staff ma…

1
Biz Bite Episode 6 : AI & ChatGPT for Business Owners 9:41

6M ago9:41

9:41

In ep. 6 of the “Biz Bites'' series, we discuss how small businesses can utilize ChatGPT & AI as tools to help them with things like preparing their taxes, or putting together a social media content calendar. We also dig into some of the limitations of the technology and the importance of human oversight and a personalized touch. ChatGPT and AI wil…

1
Tapping Into Relaxation: The Creation of Oakwell Beer Spa 25:47

6M ago25:47

25:47

The path between the entrepreneurial spark and finding that first great business opportunity was long and winding for Oakwell Beer Spa owners Jessica French and Damien Zouaoui. In fact, it was 14 months long and 25 countries winding. After trying out experiences across the globe, they settled on their business concept — a beer spa — and have been b…

1
Scooping Success: How Salt & Straw Expanded to Miami With Community and Creative Flavors as the Focus 29:11

6M ago29:11

29:11

Ice cream is elevated to new and delicious heights at Salt & Straw Ice Cream shops, with flavors like honey lavender and peanut butter brittle caramel fudge. When the time came to expand beyond the shop’s West Coast roots, co-owner Kim Malek decided to embrace a new city — Miami — and introduce her unique ice cream brand through established local b…

1
Biz Bite Episode 5 : New Year, New Business Goals 14:05

6M ago14:05

14:05

In ep. 5 of the “Biz Bites'' series, we discuss tactical advice for small businesses on setting achievable goals for the new year. There needs to be a balance of both big-picture objectives and detailed planning. First, select a manageable number of goals, and break them into actionable steps. Regular check-ins and adjustments along the way ensure …

1
Using Collaboration to Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Potential 33:16

7M ago33:16

33:16

With hectic work hours and unique challenges, entrepreneurship can often feel like a lonely endeavor. After experiencing the struggles of solo entrepreneurship first-hand, Jill Salzman was inspired to create The Founding Moms, a community with the goal of connecting mom entrepreneurs. On this week’s episode, Jill shares her takeaways from her journ…

1
Customer-Centric Hospitality: How Wild Horse Pass elevates service standards for their guests 23:22

7M ago23:22

23:22

Located in Chandler, AZ, the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is a resort for any kind of trip—families, couples, and golfers alike can find exactly what they’re looking for during their time at the resort. Bill and the Wild Horse Pass team integrate customer service and a “can-do spirit” into everything they do. Hear how the staff uses teamwork a…

1
Booking New Clients & Turning Them Into Lifelong Customers With Bronco Pro Kleen 15:18

8M ago15:18

15:18

Over the past decade, Bronco Pro Kleen Carpet Cleaners has become known as a reliable and efficient team within the Denver area. Travis and the Bronco Pro Kleen Carpet Cleaners team integrate customer service into each of their team’s actions, making customers feel like they can rely on the team for repeat services. Hear from owner Travis on Bronco…

1
Ganjier Cannabis Connoisseur ”DEREK GILMAN” Blends Antiques & Aroma To Get Sky High! 1:09:43

8M ago1:09:43

1:09:43

Derek Gilman is a Cannabis Connoisseur, Director, Antique Smoking Paraphernalia Aficionado, & 40 year second-generation Cultivator from California. Growing up in a Cannabis-friendly household, it wasn't long before Derek's curiosity led him into finding his passion for the plant. Decades later, Gilman is living his true purpose, teaching eager stud…

1
Made From Scratch: How Mignon Francois Grew Her Cupcake Business and Inspired Others Along The Way 35:51

8M ago35:51

35:51

Mignon Francois started her cupcake business, The Cupcake Collection, with the $5 she had left to feed her family for the week. 15 years later, The Cupcake Collection is a multi-million dollar operation, with Mignon still serving as CEO and “Director of Joy.” In this live episode, Emily brings Mignon back to the podcast to talk about her inspiring …

1
Driving 5-Star Customer Experiences: The Boho Camper Vans Journey 17:47

8M ago17:47

17:47

Boho Camper Vans co-owner David Sodemann was inspired to start his business after a trip to Maui when he realized traveling could become expensive quickly due to lodging. Fast forward to the pandemic, Boho Vans blew up when camper vans became the ideal way to travel while socially distanced. Hear how David uses communication with his customers to m…

1
Biz Bite Episode 4 : Encouraging Engagement With Your Customers Online 9:50

8M ago9:50

9:50

In ep. 4 of the “Biz Bites'' series, we discuss ways to connect with your customers online, and encourage them to share experiences with your business digitally! It starts by creating memorable in-person experiences, and then having your customers share that online. When they do, make sure you engage back! Also, collect contact information whenever…

1
Exterminating the Hassle From the Pest Control Experience 22:47

9M ago22:47

22:47

When Ben and Jenny McAvoy struggled to get in touch with pest control providers in the Phoenix area, they took matters into their own hands. The couple created Insectek, a pest control business that puts communication and customer service at the forefront. And their efforts paid off — hear from reviewer Rosie P on how Insectek turned a stressful pe…

1
Biz Bite Episode 3 : Planning For Seasonality & Holiday Bursts 12:21

9M ago12:21

12:21

In ep. 3 of the “Biz Bites'' series, we discuss strategies for maximizing the holiday season. Like engaging with customers through social media, creating excitement around holiday offerings, and promoting your hardworking staff. We also dig into how to effectively collaborate with other businesses, participate in local events, and capture more cont…

1
Picking a Yelp Elite’s Brain on Reviews 36:45

9M ago36:45

36:45

Yelp Elite Gwyn C talks about how she evaluates businesses and how she chooses a star rating. Ranging from occasional freebies to general customer service, Gwen gives insight on how to form a great relationship with customers. She provides clarity on how she writes reviews, as well as the rationale behind each review. In this episode, hear why the …

11M ago54:56

54:56

CHAMPS Trade Shows has provided a platform for a wide range of businesses since 1999, including smoke & vape shops, dispensaries, 420 counter-culture stores, adult novelty shops, entrepreneurs, and other industry professionals. These national conferences offer opportunities for businesses to grow and gain current knowledge and product offerings, al…

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